Metadata
Title
Queen's University Belfast
Category
graduate
UUID
2b25cc7f9cd04a918305914d17478a57
Source URL
https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/cancer-medicine-mscres/
Parent URL
https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/
Crawl Time
2026-03-23T19:03:24+00:00
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Queen's University Belfast

Source: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/cancer-medicine-mscres/ Parent: https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/

Postgraduate Taught 2026

Undergraduate 2025

MSc(Res) | Postgraduate Taught

Cancer Medicine

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Entry year : Academic Year 2026/27

Entry requirements : 2.2

Attendance : 1 year (Full-time) \

Places available : 40 (Full Time)\

The MSc (Res) in Cancer Medicine will provide students with new knowledge of how precision medicine can improve and shape future healthcare. Students will gain hands-on experience of molecular techniques and the equipment/devices used in a modern molecular laboratory; the course will provide training in the latest laboratory and research skills that are applicable across multiple scientific disciplines in a supportive learning environment. Central to this research-intensive programme is a 24-week Research Project (which runs throughout both semesters) where students undertake hands-on research training within active research teams. Through taught modules students will be able to evaluate how novel therapeutic approaches can be used to stratify patients into treatment groups for better clinical management (a concept known as stratified / precision medicine). They will observe the delivery of precision medicine through tours of the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre.\ \ In the second semester the programme explores the fundamental principles of carcinogenesis and the translational approaches (including cutting edge technologies) which allow cancer scientists and clinicians to advance our understanding and treatment of cancers. \ \ This includes a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the hallmarks of cancer from the role of genetic/epigenetic alterations, cell cycle control and metastases/angiogenesis to the development of applications to help diagnose cancers earlier, improve treatments, rationally design clinical trials and reduce chemotherapy drug resistance. \ \ Radiation Oncology lectures will develop skills in understanding the biological principles of radiotherapy and its clinical applications in the treatment of cancer. Also covered will be principles of advanced radiotherapy delivery, cancer imaging techniques and biomarker discovery.\ \ Oncology Drug Discovery lectures will provide insights into both academic and biotech drug development, including an understanding of what makes interesting anti-cancer drug target and how these can be validated for clinical use. \ \ This programme will show how our improved understanding of the molecular processes driving cancer growth and spread can be ‘translated’ through research-intensive MSc projects to improve the treatment and survival of cancer patients.\ \ Intercalated Medical and Dental Students \ Completing an intercalated degree will boost your CV when applying for postgraduate training. Depending on the discipline, selection panels look for completion of an additional degree, or for publications or posters. An intercalated degree gives you the opportunity to improve your chances of future success.\ \ Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Applicant Management System (AMS) against the programme application page.\ \ Please note a deposit will be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.

The strong links between this programme and the biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors provides a stimulating translational environment, while also expanding your career opportunities.

Cancer Medicine highlights

The programme has strong links the biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors.

World Class Facilities

The Programme will be taught in the Patrick Johnston Centre for Cancer Research a purpose-built institute at the heart of the Health Sciences Campus, boasting state-of-the-art research facilities.

Internationally Renowned Experts

We have an international reputation in this area, achieved through; high-impact peer review publications; significant international research funding and the establishment of successful spin-out companies.

Student Testimonials

The MSc in Cancer Medicine significantly enhanced my laboratory skills by providing hands-on experience with a wide range of techniques. It deepened my understanding of cancer biology and translational research, and greatly strengthened my confidence in delivering oral presentations. The lecturers were approachable and always willing to offer guidance, which had a positive impact on my learning experience. Overall, the programme equipped me with both the practical and academic skills needed for a future career in research.

The Cancer Medicine Masters gave me hands on experience in a research laboratory as well as training in cancer bioinformatics. The Cancer Genomics module was a highlight as it introduced me to R, an essential tool for analysing genomic data. The R tutorials were very supportive, and the lecturers were always approachable and gave me the confidence to tackle complex datasets on my own. The combination of wet-lab and computational training throughout the master’s has helped prepare me for a future in translational research.

The cancer medicine MSc (Res) course had several presentations which was good for improving my public speaking skills whilst also having a nice balance between groupwork and independent presentations. The assignments were varied in the sense that there were essays, presentations, e-posters, abstracts, and an R coding assignment. The different forms of assessment meant that it was not repetitive, and you could improve on your scientific writing and communication in different ways. In particular, the cancer genomics module was very enjoyable as the R tutorials were a nice change from a regular lecture. The tutorials were well structured and there was lots of support available from the module coordinator. R studio is a helpful tool when dealing with large cancer genomic datasets and so learning how to use it as part of the course was very valuable. The research project side of things has also been very enjoyable. There was a nice balance between lectures and coursework and lab work in the first semester and half of the second semester and then solely focusing on lab work for the last 2/3 months which was extremely useful. The research project module assessment was good as you were credited for your lab book and your time in the lab. Overall, the course has been a great experience and has allowed me to grow as a scientist.

The MSc in Cancer Medicine significantly enhanced my laboratory skills by providing hands-on experience with a wide range of techniques. It deepened my understanding of cancer biology and translational research, and greatly strengthened my confidence in delivering oral presentations. The lecturers were approachable and always willing to offer guidance, which had a positive impact on my learning experience. Overall, the programme equipped me with both the practical and academic skills needed for a future career in research.

The Cancer Medicine Masters gave me hands on experience in a research laboratory as well as training in cancer bioinformatics. The Cancer Genomics module was a highlight as it introduced me to R, an essential tool for analysing genomic data. The R tutorials were very supportive, and the lecturers were always approachable and gave me the confidence to tackle complex datasets on my own. The combination of wet-lab and computational training throughout the master’s has helped prepare me for a future in translational research.

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